Imphal: Hundreds of members of the Naga community in traditional attire held a protest rally at Manipur’s Senapati district headquarters on Friday, demanding justice for three people killed and another injured in a shooting at Kailenjang on September 26.
The rally was organised by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) and was attended by representatives of civil society groups, tribal bodies, women’s organisations, student unions and churches.
The protesters marched from Senapati Traffic Point to Forest Gate at Rikhumai Taphou and later returned to the starting point for a public assembly.
As government offices were closed for Gandhi Jayanti, an NPO delegation submitted a nine-point memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner at the officer’s official residence.
Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Governor, Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Superintendent of Police, Senapati.
The NPO has sought a written response from the state government within seven days and said it would intensify its protests if its demands are not addressed.
A key demand is the immediate formation of a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an officer of at least the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The NPO has also demanded that the investigation be completed within 30 days, a charge-sheet be filed within 45 days and an interim status report be provided to the victims’ families and the NPO within 15 days.
The memorandum seeks an ex-gratia payment of at least Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim. It also seeks full medical and financial assistance for the surviving injured victim, Adani Manio, along with state assistance for burial and customary rites.
Other demands include compassionate government employment for eligible family members and educational assistance for dependent children.
On security, the NPO has called for increased patrolling and area domination, along with stronger security along the vulnerable Senapati-Kangpokpi border. It has also sought strict action against armed cadres operating near civilian areas.
During the public programme, a representative of the bereaved families described the September 26 afternoon shooting as an “unprovoked, cold-blooded murder” rather than a clash, saying the victims were attacked while carrying out routine activities.
Leaders of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and the Naga Women’s Union also called for an impartial and time-bound investigation. They said protests would continue until those responsible are held accountable and justice is delivered.